As part of my United status run this year, I returned to the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin – our home away from home in Hong Kong. There was much to love and much to learn about our...
Review: Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui (Suite)
As part of my United status run this year, I decided to try the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui one last time after I hadn’t loved my previous two experiences. The third time was the charm! If...
Counterpoint: Turning Chase’s JetBlue “Lemon” Into Lemonade
Matthew wrote a piece discussing the removal of Chase Ulitmate Rewards partner Korean Air SkyPass and the addition of JetBlue TrueBlue was the equivalent of a car dealer selling a “lemon.” I emphatically disagree, and here’s why I am...
Review: United Polaris 777-300ER San Francisco to Hong Kong
As a lifelong American Airlines customer and frequent Cathay Pacific flyer, United had a long way to go to impress me with their Polaris business class product. They did. Here is another leg in my status run to Hong...
Review: United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco
This year I split my loyalty somewhat between United and American Airlines along with a handful of discount carriers for direct flights. As a result, I needed to make a status run and chose Hong Kong as my destination....
Mileage Runs May Be Dead, Status Runs Still Alive
Mileage runs were the hallmark of travel enthusiasts who found more to gain from unnecessary trips than not taking them. Elite status runs have the same principle but different result, taking unnecessary trips to retain or “level up” your...
What’s Wrong With Japanese Airline Credit Cards?
The US affinity credit card market is excellent for brands and for banks. Several offer excellent bonuses, yet the Japanese carriers are woefully inadequate and offer more points indirectly than directly. What’s wrong with them? If you are considering...
Hotel Standards Still Lag, Updates Needed
I spend a lot of time on the road and nights away from home for work and our own personal trips. More and more, I have found that hotels have failed to update their basic standards and that needs...
Horizon Airplane Stolen – Imagining The Investigation
On Friday night a Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines commuter subsidiary) was stolen from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. While details remain incomplete, I imagined the investigation that would follow such an event, here are my thoughts of what has taken place....
Review: Philadelphia International Airport Marriott Hotel
As part of a long journey, I briefly stayed at the Philadelphia Airport Marriott and ended my stay both pleased and disappointed. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com....
Shanghai-Pittsburgh Successful – More To Come?
Pittsburgh landed a charter service from Shanghai and it was objectively a resounding success. Will this lead to more charters or even regular service? Should it? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Venezuela’s Maduro Attacked, US Involvement Alleged
President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela was the subject of a reported assassination attempt yesterday. He alleged US involvement indirectly but details remain incomplete. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
Editorial: Satisfying China’s Request is Impractical
China has asked US airlines to designate Taiwan as part of China on their websites and systems. Regardless of where you fall on the China/Taiwan debate, there are impracticalities that arise when treating the two places as one country and it...
Hypocrisy: Why I’m Doubling Down on Hyatt
Despite my bitterness toward Hyatt, reviewing my actual results for the year I decided to return to the brand full force and double down. Oh, the hypocrisy. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card...
Mid-Year Status Update – Surprising Results
For the first time since I became a serious frequent flyer, I am carefully tracking all of my traveling metrics for elite status. Every flight and hotel stay is logged and I am sharing my results – my expectations didn’t...
Away Travel Replaces Smart Luggage Batteries
Away Travel is offering a trade-out program for their previous generation bags in a move that is smart and helpful. Customers who previously purchased a piece of luggage from Away Travel can swap out their now out-of-compliance styles for...
Luggage Review: Wool & Oak Duffle Bag
For several years I have been traveling a mix of short road trips and some longer journeys domestically and abroad. For shorter trips, I prefer to simplify my packing and bring as little as possible. The Wool & Oak...
Amazon Prime Day: Kyle’s Traveler Picks
Amazon holds their Prime Day once per year which offers Black Friday-level discounts on participating products. I wanted to share my picks for travelers from the offerings. This year Amazon Prime Day has been extended, starting at 3PM Eastern...
CLEAR Should Follow Priority Pass’ Lead
CLEAR is a membership service that vets members to provide expedited security lines at airports and event centers. They have had limited growth, but if they followed the lead of lounge membership company, Priority Pass, perhaps they could scale...
Review: Tru Hotel Pigeon Forge – Patronizing Millennials
Tru is a new hotel brand by Hilton focused on a younger generation. The select service property (this location in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) trades design elements for cramped conditions. Does it work or is it patronizing (hint: patronizing)? If...
